6 Smart Visuals to Enrich Your E-learning

Written by Nazmeen Sultana

How do you think learners can understand the training content better? In general, most of the training material contains loads of text presented using bulleted points. Bulleted lists are not only boring, but also do very little to help learners remember information.

In order to help learners retain the information and apply it on their jobs, visuals are extremely effective.

Visualization is the formation of mental visual images. Visualization is all about using graphics, diagrams, images and animations to communicate a message. The Multimedia Principle states that “people learn betterfrom words and pictures than from words alone”. Visuals are the iconic mental representations of what is being perceived. They often combine text, illustration, and color.

Studies show that people remember:

10% of what they hear

20% of what they read

80% of what they see and do

Not just visuals, but even their functionality is important for learning. Visuals can be divided into six categories and have different functionalities to represent the various types of training content adapted from Ruth Colvin Clark’s and Chopeta Lyons’ work.

Let’s look into the communication functionality of each one of them.

1. Representational Visuals

To depict the actual appearance of the content

To present concrete concepts and factual information

2. Mnemonic Visuals

Learners have to recall the factual information when a job-aid is not provided

Always try to visualize the data and design the visuals accordingly. Effective visuals are those which enhance learning and improve the retaining capability of the learner. Choose the right category to achieve effective communication.

Originally published September 04 20149/03/2014, updated February 18 2018

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CommLab India addresses the learning and development needs of major organizations through its custom and rapid e-learning solutions, translations and mobile learning services. Since 2000, we have been offering technology-enabled solutions to accelerate workforce performance.

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